Morgan Rogers has addressed the swirling transfer rumors linking him with moves away from Aston Villa, expressing his contentment and focus on his current role with the Birmingham-based club. Despite reported interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder insists his priority remains contributing to Unai Emery's squad and showcasing his abilities on the pitch.
Rogers, who joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024, has quickly established himself as a key component of Emery's setup. His impressive performances have not only earned him regular playing time but have also translated into international recognition, with six England caps to his name since arriving at Villa Park. However, the increased attention has also brought about speculation regarding his future, with reports suggesting that Tottenham, in particular, were considering a move for Rogers after Arsenal reportedly hijacked their pursuit of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.
Speaking to The Times, Rogers addressed the transfer speculation head-on, emphasizing his happiness at Aston Villa and his singular focus on playing football. "I’m happy here," Rogers stated. "I love football. I love nothing more than just coming out on the pitch and playing football, and that’s what I’m doing. I don’t think about anything else."
He added, "I can’t predict the next 12 months or anything in the future. It’s just about playing football, enjoying my football, and showing everyone what I can do."
This statement underlines Rogers' commitment to the present and his desire to continue developing and contributing to Aston Villa's success.
Rogers' importance to Aston Villa is underscored by his consistent presence in the starting lineup. Last season, he featured in 37 of the club's 38 Premier League games, as well as an additional 12 appearances in their Champions League campaign. This demonstrates the trust and reliance that Unai Emery places on the young midfielder.
Rogers has openly credited Emery for instilling the confidence he needs to thrive at the highest level. The manager's belief in him, even during challenging periods, has been instrumental in his development. "The manager giving me loads of trust and playing me through the good and the bad times really helped," Rogers explained.
He elaborated on Emery's approach, saying, "I’m not always going to be perfect, everything’s not always going to come off the way I play. It’s not possible for everything to work and for it to be a good day all the time, but the manager had that belief in me."
This support has allowed Rogers to take risks and express himself on the field, knowing that he has the backing of his manager.
Rogers also shared a specific instance where Emery's faith in him proved crucial. "I remember him telling me at one stage that the reason he’s kept me on in certain games is because he knows that if I keep going at it, the moment will come and the chance will come and he wants that to fall to me," Rogers revealed. "Giving me that pressure and that challenge helped me step up and show that I can be a big part of this group."
Rogers' comments highlight the strong player-manager relationship he shares with Emery, and the positive impact it has had on his career. As Aston Villa continues to compete on multiple fronts, Rogers' commitment and confidence will be vital assets for the team.
